Confirmation of pregnancy?

[Anonymous]

I am a patient at the Gshwend/Kleinerman/Brody group. I had three positive HPTs last week and went in for a blood test on Friday to confirm pregnancy (my first). I just got a call from their office telling me that the test came back positive, but they want to me to in for a scan and confirmation of pregnancy. Of course the way they phrased it, "confirmation of pregnancy", concerned me. They said my hormone levels were all ok, but I should still come in. My period is very irregular (last was mid October but I don't think I got pregnant until early December), so the woman from the office said maybe they want to get a sense of how far along I am. She made it clear that this appt is different from an initial OB consult. Has anyone else a "confirmation of pregnancy"? I just hope that things are ok and wasn't sure if this was a standard procedure.

[Anonymous]

I haven't had such an appt (my first was at 8 weeks), but if your periods are irregular, it's quite likely that they just want to confirm how far along you are. As I understand it, the early ultrasounds are the most precise with regard to dating. If your hormone levels are fine and you're not experiencing any other problems (cramping etc), chances are that everything is fine. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

They may word it that way for insurance purposes. With my first, I just went in and they didn't even bother doing a blood test--said HPT were sufficiently accurate. But when I made an appointment for my second and I wasn't all that far along (6 weeks, maybe?) they said they had to put it down as a "confirmation of pregnancy" appointment. I don't know if something changed with insurance in those two years or what. But that WAS the appointment where I had a blood test (which, as I mentioned, they didn't require the first time around). I found it bizarre too...but that was the term they used with me as well.

[Anonymous]

They get the best accuracy of the date of the pregnancy the ealier they do sono in the pregnancy (usually around 6 - 7 weeks) -- so since you are unsure of the dates they want to get you in soon. Also, many do not cosider it a "real" pregnancy until they have confirmed seeing the fetal pole / heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

If you have insurance that will cover it many offices will do an early ultrasound. For example, blue cross blue shield would have, but my new insurance Optimum choice does not unless medically necessary. With that said, your hcg #s are only an indication that your body is producing a pregnancy hormone. Unfortunately, it does not verify there is a viable pregnancy. An ultrasound will look for a fetal pole within a sac. It will also rule out ectopic, tubular, or molar pregnancy. (for what it is worth everyone talks about these, but unless you have pain and/or previous issues you REALLY shouldn't worry about this - it isn't as common as some believe.)

Since you believe you are in your 6th week this ultrasound will also likely look for a heartbeat - not usually found earlier than 6.5 weeks. To the PP who mentioned dating being best when done early - this is only partially true. Prior to 8 weeks it isn't accurate often. At 8 weeks though is considered ideal which is why many doctors make people wait until then.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone. I feel a lot better.

[Anonymous]

Ob/Gyn (and expecting mom) here:
most of the above info is correct
"confirmation of pregnancy visit" = ultrasound to date pregnancy, no consult with the doctor
ultrasound to confirm pregnancy is MOST accuarate before 8 weeks, but overall highly accurate in the first trimester. If dates and u/s are off by > 1 week in the first trimester, then your due date gets changed to the ultrasound due date.
My guess is that your hormone levels were pretty high and you might be farther along than you thought and hence the need for a scan.

Good Luck!!

[Anonymous]

To the OB/GYN poster: thank you. That really clarified things. I am excited about the U/S and to find out how far along I am.

Best of luck with your pregnancy as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a patient at the Gshwend/Kleinerman/Brody group. I had three positive HPTs last week and went in for a blood test on Friday to confirm pregnancy (my first). I just got a call from their office telling me that the test came back positive, but they want to me to in for a scan and confirmation of pregnancy. Of course the way they phrased it, "confirmation of pregnancy", concerned me. They said my hormone levels were all ok, but I should still come in. My period is very irregular (last was mid October but I don't think I got pregnant until early December), so the woman from the office said maybe they want to get a sense of how far along I am. She made it clear that this appt is different from an initial OB consult. Has anyone else a "confirmation of pregnancy"? I just hope that things are ok and wasn't sure if this was a standard procedure.

It sounds like your initial concern was already addressed with this board, but I wanted to warn you about Dr. Gschwend (although I LOVE Kleinerman). Gschwend is KNOWN to give women c-sections who do not need them and who do NOT want them. His c-section rate is way above the national average (probably doubles it - he admitted that his low-risk patients have a 35% chance of a c-section) and he is incredibly rude if you mention wanting to lower your c-section rate. Please find another OB or midwife.